Where to Donate Dog Items and Money in 2025

For those of us lucky enough to share our lives with dogs, it’s second nature to shower them with love and care. But sadly, not every pup has an easy path to finding their forever home.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, UK local authorities handled over 36,000 stray or unwanted dogs, and thousands are still waiting in shelters for their second chance. Each one needs shelter, food, medical care, and most importantly, a loving family. Thankfully, there are incredible charities across the country working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome them.

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What can you donate to a dog charity?

Money is always helpful but it’s not the only way to give. Many charities also need food, toys, blankets, bedding, leads or even old towels. And if you can’t donate items, giving your time through volunteering or fundraising is just as valuable.

Dog charities to donate to

If you’re thinking about donating or supporting a charity, here are some incredible organisations working hard to give dogs safer, happier lives.

• RSPCA

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is one of the UK’s best-known animal welfare charities. It rescues animals from neglect and cruelty, provides shelter and medical treatment, and campaigns for stronger protections for animals across the country.

• Blue Cross

Founded over 100 years ago, Blue Cross helps sick, injured and homeless pets by offering veterinary services and rehoming support – it also provides pet bereavement counselling. Its work makes a difference not only for dogs but for pet parents, too.

• Dogs Trust Worldwide

While Dogs Trust is a household name in the UK, Dogs Trust Worldwide extends its impact across the globe. It partners with international organisations to improve dog welfare, tackle the stray dog crisis and share expertise to create lasting change. Plus, if you’ve seen the annual Christmas dog toy video, you’ll see how much they care about the dogs (super cute).

• World Animal Protection

World Animal Protection works to end animal cruelty and suffering in all forms. For dogs, campaigns focus on tackling the root causes of stray dog populations, providing vaccinations and educating communities on safe and compassionate care.

• International Fund for Animal Welfare

IFAW operates in more than 40 countries, rescuing and protecting animals in crisis. The dog programmes focus on humane population control, rescue operations and advocating for stronger laws to protect animals around the world.

How to find local dog charities

While national and international organisations do incredible work, sometimes the best way to help is by supporting smaller charities right on your doorstep. These local groups often run on tight budgets and rely heavily on donations and volunteers from their communities.

To find local charities, start by searching online for dog rescues or animal shelters in your area. Social media is another great tool; many small charities share updates on Facebook or Instagram about the dogs they’re caring for and what support they need most. You can also ask your local vet, pet shop or council for recommendations, as they often work closely with rescue organisations.

Supporting a local charity means your donation goes directly towards helping dogs in your own community, whether that’s covering vet bills, buying food or providing warm bedding for pups waiting for a home.

How to donate in memory of a dog

Losing a beloved dog is heartbreaking, and many people find comfort in honouring their pet’s memory by helping other animals in need. Donating in memory of a dog is a beautiful way to create a lasting tribute while supporting the work of charities that give other pups a second chance.

Most dog charities make this simple – you can often choose a ‘donate in memory’ option on their website, where you can give a one-off or regular gift in your dog’s name. Some organisations also offer remembrance walls, personalised certificates or even to plant a tree as a tribute to your pet. You might also choose to set up a fundraising page in their memory, inviting friends and family to donate instead of sending flowers.

It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the love you shared with your dog while making a real difference to the lives of others still waiting for their forever home.

Where to donate dog toys in the UK

Got spare tennis balls, squeaky toys or tug ropes lying around? Many shelters and rescues will gladly take them off your hands. Most local dog charities accept gently used toys as long as they’re clean and safe. Charities such as RSPCA, Blue Cross, and Dog’s Trust often list drop-off points on their websites, but smaller independent rescues are often most in need so it’s worth giving your local shelter a call to check what they’ll accept.

Where to donate dog beds in the UK

Every dog deserves a comfy place to sleep (maybe even your bed), but shelters often struggle to keep up with the demand for clean, supportive bedding. If you have spare dog beds, blankets or even old duvets, many rescues will gratefully accept them. Some councils and vet clinics act as collection points, while local charities often share donation appeals on Facebook. Just make sure beds are in good condition and washable before donating.

How to choose a dog charity to donate to

With so many wonderful charities out there, it can feel overwhelming to decide where your money or items should go. A good starting point is to think about what matters most to you. Do you want to support a national charity with wide-reaching impact or a smaller local group where your donation feels more personal? Check whether the charity is registered, look at how transparent they are about where donations go, and see if their mission aligns with your values. There’s no ‘right’ choice, just the one that feels most meaningful to you.

Ways to support dog charities beyond cash donations

Not everyone can give money, and that’s OK! Charities value all kinds of support. As well as donating items like food, bedding or toys, why not volunteer your time at a shelter, foster a dog in need or even help with admin, fundraising events or social media. Sharing marketing campaigns online or encouraging friends to donate can also make a big difference. If you have a healthy pet, they can even donate some blood, which is an amazing contribution for another dog in need. Every little bit helps keep tails wagging.

Bottom line: dog charities to donate to

Dogs bring us so much joy, and for the thousands still waiting for a home, charities are their lifeline. Whether you give money, items or your time, your support truly matters. The fact you’re even thinking about it shows your compassion.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best dog charity to donate to?

There isn’t one single ‘best’ charity – it depends on what’s important to you. Big names like the RSPCA or Blue Cross have wide reach, while smaller local rescues often have fewer resources and really benefit from community donations.

What local dog charities are near me?

The easiest way to find out is to search online for ‘dog rescue near me’ or check social media, where smaller charities post regular appeals. Your vet or local council may also know about rescues nearby.

What do dog charities take as donations?

Alongside money, many rescues accept food, treats, toys, leads, beds, blankets and cleaning supplies. Always check with the charity first to see what they need most.